My parents taught me that courage and conviction are a man’s most potent weapons… but I’ll take a sword and shield over sentiments any day.

… A Legionnaire’s ode

If fates be bitter, and today I fall,

then let it be with sword arm drawn.

Let my heart hold sure and strong,

let my spirit gladden soldier’s song.

And let them sing of my last stand,

that I fell, with sword in hand.

S.K